It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

Hello, out there! 

I'm chained to the computer at the moment writing school reports, 

but I thought I'd take a moment to post about the books I've been reading lately.

Last week I read this enthralling book:

about two sisters - one whom is very controlled and aware of society's values, the other who is flighty and free-spirited. This one, Esme, gets the raw deal from her family again and again. Growing up in colonial India, she experiences the horror of the typhoid outbreak and its devastating consequences. As a teenager she is still thought to be too airy fairy, and is taken off to an asylum, where she spends the next 75 years of her life, abandoned by her family. In steps Iris, her great niece, who is contacted as Esme's next of kin when  the asylum closes. While at first shocked at the revelation she even has a great aunt, Iris realises the old woman's plight and agrees to let her stay with her until they find new accommodation for her. What she learns about her Grandma and Aunt along the way is unsettling, and leads to a shocking conclusion.

I found this addictive reading as I am fascinated by stories of sisters, having two myself! I am also quite intrigued by stories of uncaring parents, as I was raised in a loving family, and cannot imagine parents taking drastic measures to promote one child and not the other. There were a few moments in this book where I literally gasped and covered my mouth, because I was appalled at the way Esme was neglected, but I like to be moved by a story. I'm sure many readers will be disappointed by the ending because it is quite unexpected and abrupt, but it gave the story a good twist. I really enjoyed this book!

I also read this one:

which was sent to me from Aunty Ann, my husband's aunty, who shares my love for books!

This book made me realise how differently people deal with death. In fact I could barely stand to read it at first, because the mother, Zoe, was so removed from the death of her baby, and I just couldn't relate to that. However, as more characters were introduced, including her sons, her husband and her new psychiatrist friend, Lillian, I became more interested in how the characters related to each other. By the time the narration swapped to Zoe's husband at about the midway point of the book, the pace goes into overdrive, and the book becomes a real page turner. By the last few chapters the book becomes absolutely chilling, and you can hardly believe what you're reading!  

This is not a fun book. But the emotional stories of the characters, shared through diary entries and letters were intriguing to read. A psychological thriller, this book is really something different!

Now I am reading this book:

which I won in a comp run by Shelleyrae, at Book'd Out. Thanks so much, Shelleyrae!!

Set in Sweden, this book tells the tale of Allan, who escapes from a nursing home just before a party is held to celebrate his one-hundredth birthday. Allan takes off to the bus station, still wearing his slippers, and proceeds to make a getaway. Meanwhile, through a turn of events involving a suitcase, he becomes involved in an adventure which is worthy of being made into a hilarious comedic film. The characters in this book are over the top, but believable, and the narration shifts continually between the present and the past of each of the characters. Funny, quirky stuff!  I'm not even half way through the book yet,
but already I am having a great time!

I'm still in the midst of writing reports,
but I hope to get a chance to come and visit you soon via Book Journey.

Have an awesome week!

xx